Our Services

Orthodontics

Breaking down orthodontics

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that is concerned with the diagnosis and correction of misaligned teeth, jaw irregularities and facial development. ‍Orthodontists focus on these issues in order to provide patients with a healthier smile which results in dramatically increased overall health for years to come.Common orthodontic issues, such as crowding, spacing and protrusion are known as malocclusions.

While some malocclusions are hereditary, others are the cause of:

Dental disease

Accidents

Habits (Like Thumb Sucking)

Orthodontic methods are not only used for aesthetic improvement, they can also correct:

Long Term Oral Health

Speech Impediments

A Bite (the realignment of a bite can make eating, smiling and speaking feel effortless, as it should)

Who are orthodontists?

All orthodontists are dentists who:

Focus on teeth alignment, jaw irregularities and facial development

Have received further training beyond dental school at a university with an accredited orthodontic residency program

Are masters of their craft, as statistically, only 6% of those who complete dental school go on to become orthodontists

Work to provide children, teens and adults with confidence and good oral health by building happy and healthy smiles.

When to see an orthodontist

It is never too late to setup an appointment with an orthodontist. Although the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that kids check in with an orthodontist near the age of seven, orthodontic treatment does not discriminate and is not solely for children and teens.‍One in five orthodontic patients are over the age of 21. Whether the treatment being sought is for a child, teen or an adult, it is important to remember that the main reason for orthodontic procedures are to improve oral health and this starts at any age.

Painless Dentistry

We are embracing the future of dental technology in order to keep your pain and discomfort at an all time low.

Care & Compassion

From the moment you step inside our practice your comfort is our number one priority.

High Standards

We expect the best. We are setting new standards of what it means to visit the dentist.

Convenient Location

Arizona Smile Designers is conveniently located on Arizona State Route 89A and S Willard St.

Accepting Insurance

We direct bill certain insurance providers and have Care Credit for our patients that want financing.

Friendly Staff

From the moment you step inside our practice your comfort is our number one priority.

Meet our Dentists

Steve Vergara, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Steve Vergara, a Loma Linda University graduate, has practiced dentistry since 1984. He has received additional training through Las Vegas Institute, PAC-Live, and the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is a member of the Northern Arizona Study Club, Arizona Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. Dr. Vergara is also a long-standing member of the Rotary Club in Cottonwood.

Earl Lord, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Earl Lord graduated from Northwestern Dental School in 1974 and until 2006, he maintained a dental practice in Las Vegas, Nevada. Among other awards he’s attained during his many years in practice, he’s earned the coveted Master of the Academy of General Dentistry for his ongoing commitment to continuing education. A member of the Northern Arizona Dental Society, Dr. Lord also serves as a member of the Peer Review Committee.

M. Dan Ripplinger, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Dan Ripplinger graduated from Loma Linda Dental School in 1985. He currently maintains a dental practice in Las Vegas and travels monthly to Cottonwood both to help us and to spend time with his father. While he is a general dentist and performs all aspects of general dentistry, Dr. Ripplinger is also a surgeon at heart. He has been a tremendous help with our more challenging surgical cases and has helped reduce the need for referring patients out of town for surgical care. He is also a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

See what our patients have to say.

We're blessed to have such amazing patients that have posted 5-star reviews on Google. Here are a few reviews we love!

K

"Very professional. Dr. Lord and his assistant are great. They put you at ease and make sure you have all the information needed to make a decision. I was very pleased"

- Kellie O'Connor

C

"Excellent. The doctors and staff are always helpful and friendly. I was a horrible case - not any more. They really cared and provided several alternatives to treatment. I was so fearful, but not now. Would highly recommend this practice."

- Chris Heyer

A Beautiful, Captivating Smile is Closer Than You Think

We combine the latest in cutting-edge technology along with time-tested techniques in order to ensure that you’ll always get the safest and most effective treatment possible. Because we aim to provide quick and affordable treatment, the beautiful smile you’ve wanted is closer than you think.

Request Appointment Online

Ready to get started? Fill out the form below and one of our friendly staff will be in touch with you soon to confirm your appointment! If there is a specific treatment you are looking for, let us know in the message section as most consultations are complimentary.

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Arizona Smile Designers

Looking for a friendly dentist in Cottonwood or Sedona? We'd love to help you smile with confidence. We encourage you to give us a call at (928) 634-8610.